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Rush to find stand-in goalkeeper

From the archive, first published Monday 30th Dec 2002.

A GOALKEEPING crisis was narrowly avoided on Saturday after Town's regular number one, Scott Tarr, fell ill.

A frantic morning began for Town manager Ernie Howe when he received a phone call from Tarr's mother at 9.20am, informing him that her son had severe bronchial trouble.

With second 'keeper Clive Lyttle also sidelined with sickness, and reserve 'keeper Grant Frost banned, Town had no-one to call on.

As a result, a hectic search got under way to try to find a replacement, with any new player having to be registered by 11am.

Howe and club secretary Richard Trodd spent the next 100 minutes constantly ringing and faxing other clubs in a desperate search for a new 'keeper.

Right on deadline, James Kirby was signed from Hampshire league side Winchester City on a non-contract basis - and thrust straight into action just a few hours later, where he produced a competent debut in Town's 3-1 triumph over Grays.

A relieved Howe said: "I haven't experienced a morning like it. It was absolutely manic.

"I spoke to Scotty after the game when he rang me himself and he sounded terrible.

"Clive has been ill for 10 days now, and it was a nightmare trying to get someone in.

"I have had to take James on pure spec. I didn't know anything about him, but he has done well today.

"And if Scott isn't well by Wednesday, we'll have to look at playing James against Aldershot."

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